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Diverticulitis

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What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a condition that develops when diverticula, which are small pouches in the intestine, become inflamed or infected. It is not unusual for people to have diverticula, especially after the age of 40. In most cases, diverticula do not cause any problems, but when diverticulitis develops as a result of inflammation or infection, people will experience uncomfortable symptoms.

What are symptoms of diverticulitis?

Since diverticulitis affects the intestines, it causes symptoms associated with gastrointestinal distress. Common symptoms of diverticulitis include:

  • Pain, typically in the lower left portion of the abdomen
  • Fever
  • Tenderness in the abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • In some cases, diarrhea

With symptoms of diverticulitis, abdominal pain may be constant and last for several days. Unexplained, persistent abdominal pain is a sign that you should seek medical treatment.

What causes diverticulitis?

According to experts, diverticula develop when pressure causes weak spots in the colon to give way. When these diverticula tear, it results in inflammation, and in some cases infection, leading to diverticulitis.

There are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing diverticulitis:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Being of older age
  • Taking certain medications, such as steroids or opioids
  • Eating a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber

How serious is diverticulitis?

In about 25% of cases, diverticulitis can cause complications. For instance, some people may develop abscesses, from pus collecting in the diverticula. Diverticulitis can also cause a blockage in the bowels as a result of scarring.

Another complication of diverticulitis is the development of a fistula, or an abnormal connection, between the bowel and other areas of the body.

In serious cases, diverticulitis can lead to peritonitis, which occurs when the diverticula rupture, causing material from the intestines to leak into the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis is considered a medical emergency.

What is the treatment for diverticulitis?

The treatment for diverticulitis will depend upon the severity of the condition. If you have a mild case, you can likely recover at home. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat diverticulitis, but sometimes, the condition will go away on its own without medication. A doctor is likely to recommend a liquid diet until symptoms of diverticulitis improve.

More serious cases of diverticulitis are likely to require hospitalization to treat the condition. During a hospital stay, treatment for diverticulitis includes intravenous antibiotics, as well as a tube to drain the fluid from an abscess, if one has developed.

For people who have recurrent cases of diverticulitis, a weakened immune system, or complications like a bowel obstruction, surgery may be necessary to treat diverticulitis.

You can reduce your risk of diverticulitis and related complications by getting plenty of exercise and eating a diet that contains adequate amounts of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to drink plenty of water and to avoid smoking.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy

How serious is diverticulitis?

In about 25% of cases, people will suffer from complications with diverticulitis. These can include the development of abscesses, a bowel blockage, or an abnormal connection between the bowel and other body parts. In rare cases, it can cause a rupture called peritonitis, which is potentially life-threatening.

Are there ways to prevent diverticulitis?

You can reduce your risk of diverticulitis by practicing healthy lifestyle habits, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting plenty of exercise, and getting enough fiber in your diet.

What is the treatment for diverticulitis?

Treatment will vary based upon the severity of the condition. Some people may not need any treatment, whereas others will need to take antibiotics or follow a liquid diet. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Common Symptoms

  • “I sometimes suffer from stomach pain that is constant and lasts for days at a time.”
  • “My stomach is tender to the touch, and I get pain in the lower left area of my belly.”
  • “I have been experiencing nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting along with a slight fever.”

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What They Are Saying

Excellent
Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8
Based on 6226 reviews
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Cindy
I have know Dr Bologna, Gastroenterology Troy for many years & found him to be the most compassionate, caring Dr. He puts you at ease, as soon as he walks thru the door. He is a remarkable physician in Gastroenterology and I recommend him highly. The office staff is extremely nice, helpful and very caring.
Jonathan B.
The staff is very friendly and very caring and accommodating. They answer questions In great detail. Dr. Donat was friendly and upbeat and took the time to speak with me and my Family about my procedure. I felt I was in great hands with him and his amazing staff. Thank you to Dr Donat and his staff putting me to ease.
Ariana G.
I was very pleased with my first visit in the Clinton Twp office, Dr. Wille and his staff were so kind, knowledgeable and friendly during my visit.
Sara H.
I felt heard, which was verified in the chart notes posted in my medical app .
Terry G.
The NP Nicolette took time to explain everything thing I needed to know! Very knowledgeable. The receptionist was very nice. I would recommend this office. Thank you!
Julie S.
Friendly and compassionate care
Rich I.
The staff was very professional, and the entire procedure was efficient and easy.
Carol H.
Very organized and excellent workers!
Giacomo C.
Dr. Rocco and the staff are always thorough and professional.
REGINA B.
Dr. Bologna and the staff at CDH were wonderful. I felt safe in having my screening there. It is a clean, well-run office, where all of my concerns were addressed in a way I could understand. Every person on staff from check in to anesthesia to checkout were friendly and professional. Thank you 💖
David O.
Minimal wait time both in lobby and exam room. Dr. Wille and staff are great!
Denise H.
Center for Digestive Health is a perfect place to go if you have any type of digestive issue. They make you feel very comfortable talking about any issue you may be experiencing and they ask all the appropriate questions all the while putting you at ease. When I called I was worried about something and they worked to get me right in. I saw the PA Noelle and she is just wonderful. Everyone at the desk and beyond are very welcoming and helpful. Dr. Weber has been my doctor there for years and I trust him explicitly. His assistant Debbie always helps me out and listens to me and is always very kind. The office is warm, clean and inviting. There are a few locations and so that makes it very nice. All in all I’m very impressed with this group of Doctors, Nurses and Assistants.
Maureen R.
Excellent experience, everyone pleasant to deal with and prompt with procedures.
Mark P.
All of the Staff and the Doctor working at the office were very nice. The doctor understood my concern about My Bi Polar meds because of the reaction I had during my recent heart bypass surgery and the time it took to get back to normal again. The doctor came up with several solutions to my fear of having to get the Anastasia while taking my Bi polar meds and suggested a few other solutions to the the Anastasia. The doctor was great in understanding of my fear of going under Anastasia.
Donna H.
It was a 5 . Very caring, professional, and my Doctor is wonderful.
leslie C.
All of Troy Gastroenterolgy is great. Dr Abadir is my Dr and he is very good. I had issues and he worked with me and my primary to improve my condition. He listens to every word i say intently and then he comes up with questions for me and then he starts his plan to help me. And he did! Great doctor. Leslie Croo
Glenn A.
Excellent care. Very professional and personable. Highly recommend this practice
Steve N.
My colonoscopy was quick and painless. The staff at the center was friendly and very professional.
Jamie C.
Dr. Willie and the staff were great and friendly
Rosalee O.
Dr. Nandi and his team are the best. They make you feel so comfortable. Really....I won't at my pictures, LOL!!!!
Patricia A.
The staff is very attentive to my needs. Nicolette is very patient and listens to my concerns and provides helpful advice.
Hans H.
I was very happy with my appointment yesterday. Took time to listen to all my concerns and answered so I understood. I highly recommend Center for Digestive Health . I have had a few colonoscopies done here and I wouldn’t go anywhere else to have them done. In and out in very little time!
Michael M.
Dr. Bologna is very thorough, down to earth, and pleasant. I trust his judgment...isn't that what it's all about? Highly recommended.
Patrick W.
Very professional and thorough!
T A.
Dr Tocco and his staff are wonderful. My husband and I are both patients. We highly recommend Center for Digestive Health
The Center for Digestive Health4.8
Based on 6231 reviews
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Laurie F.
From the moment I walked into the building for my procedure, the staff was friendly and welcoming. I had no wait time and everything was run professionally and as scheduled. Dr. Wille and his staff made me feel at ease, and are a professional group of people. I would highly recommend this office to others.
Ariana G.
I was very pleased with my first visit in the Clinton Twp office, Dr. Wille and his staff were so kind, knowledgeable and friendly during my visit.
Michael M.
Dr. Bologna is very thorough, down to earth, and pleasant. I trust his judgment...isn't that what it's all about? Highly recommended.
Ray
Very professional, very friendly, a very good atmosphere

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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